Cheap BMW 1 Series Brake Light Switch

The BMW 1 Series ran across two main generations: the E81/E82/E87/E88 (2004–2013) and the F20/F21 (2011–2019, facelift 2015). The brake light switch is a pedal-box mounted component fitted to all variants of both generations, but the switch design and connector differ between the E-series and F-series generations, so a switch from one generation will not simply swap into the other. Within the same generation, fitment is generally consistent, but confirm the exact part number with the breaker against your registration to be sure.

This question spans the E87/E88 generation and the early F20/F21 generation, which overlapped in production around 2011–2013. A 2012 car is most likely an E87/E88, while a 2014 car will be an F20/F21, and these use different pedal assemblies with different switch designs. You should confirm the exact generation of both donor and recipient cars with the breaker against your registrations before purchasing.

For the brake light switch specifically, engine size does not affect fitment — the switch operates the brake pedal mechanism, which is consistent across engine variants within the same generation. Whether you have a 116i, 118d, 120i, or 125i, the switch fitted is the same for that generation. Focus your search on matching the generation (E-series or F-series) rather than the engine.

Trim level — whether SE, Sport, M Sport, or M135i — does not affect brake light switch fitment, as the switch is a pedal-box component unrelated to interior or cosmetic specification. The switch you need is determined by the generation of the car, not how it was optioned. When sourcing from a breaker, you may simply confirm the generation and year of the donor car.

The E-series 1 Series was offered in multiple body styles including the three-door E81, five-door E87, two-door coupe E82, and convertible E88, but the brake light switch is mounted to the pedal box rather than the body, so body style does not affect which switch is fitted. All E-series variants share the same basic pedal assembly and compatible switch. Confirm the part number with the breaker against your registration to be certain.

The key detail to confirm is the generation of the donor car — E81/E82/E87/E88 (2004–2013) or F20/F21 (2011–2019) — as these use different switch designs that are not interchangeable. Engine size, trim level, and body style do not affect which switch you need, so you do not need to match those. Give the breaker your registration and ask them to check the donor car's generation against yours before agreeing to buy.